Solar farm approved for Narrabri

A 120-megawatt solar farm, located between the Newell Highway and Logans Lane, has been approved by NSW’s director of energy assessments.

The project has been referred to as Silverleaf Solar Farm, developed by ENGIE, and will consist of about 440,000 single‐axis tracking panels up to four metres in height, supported by about 5150 tracker units.

ENGIE has estimated the project has a capital investment of $180 million.

A transmission corridor will also be constructed, supporting 132 kV power lines, connecting the proposal site to the existing TransGrid substation located on Stoney Creek Road.

Subject to necessary approvals, the developer anticipated construction of the project is expected to take between nine and 12 months.

“The proposal has a planned operational lifespan of 35 years,” the developer said in information published as part of the development approval process.

“If the proposal is not reconditioned with updated technology, it would be decommissioned at the end of this period.

“Decommissioning would involve removing all above ground infrastructure, and rehabilitating the site to allow for other uses.”

As part of the development, the intersection of Logans Lane and Kamilaroi Highway will be upgraded to allow heavy vehicle movements.